Immune Deficiency Workshop

Question 1

What is the best site for blood sampling in cats? why?

Answer 1

Jugular
a large vein, most cats will tolerate this well with minimal restraint, sample is obtained quickly

Question 2

What sample tube would you use for a haematology sample?

Answer 2

Haematology samples need to be collected in to a blood tube with an anticoagulant such as EDTA. The tube should be filled to the line on the blood tube to ensure there is the correct proportion of EDTA to blood with minimal risk of adversely affecting the cells.

Question 3

What are the possible sources of FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus)?

Answer 3

Cat bites are one of the most common causes of transmission
Females can transmit the infection to their kittens

Question 4

What are the 3 phases of FIV virus illness?

Answer 4

Acute
Asymptomatic
Progressive

Question 5

Describe the acute phase of FIV infection

Answer 5

o Acute phase 1-3 months after infection while virus replicates in lymphocytes and spreads through lymph nodes
 Mild infection (can be missed)
 Progressive decline in CD4+ T cells
 May see depression, LN enlargement, fever, poor appetite

Question 6

Describe the asymptomatic phase of FIV infection

Answer 6

o Asymptomatic phase may last months to years
 Very slow viral replication
 May remain in this phase forever

Question 7

Describe the progressive phase of FIV infection

Answer 7

Recurrence of clinical signs and progression to more severe likely terminal illness
Chronic multi systemic illness including gingivitis, respiratory tract infection, enteritis, dermatitis, weight loss, pyrexia and lymph node abnormalities

Question 8

Ginger presents with these problems:
*Weight loss
*Oral pain on eating
*Gingivitis and FORLS
*Enlarged sub mandibular lymph nodes

He has been diagnosed with FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus)

Can you explain the link between Ginger’s FIV and clinical signs?

Answer 8

• Immune suppression due to FIV could mean Ginger is more susceptible to other infections including mouth infections
• The enlarged sub mandibular lymph nodes might be associated with viral replication
• BUT mouth infections and this type of dental disease are very common in cats. It is possible that the problems with Ginger’s mouth are unrelated to his viral status. Slight enlargement of local LNs is not uncommon associated with a region of inflammation. Weight loss could simply be because he has been eating less due to his sore mouth.

Question 9

What infectious organisms could be responsible for an outbreak of coughing in a family of dogs?

Answer 9

Bordetella Bronchiseptica
Canine parainfluenza
Canine adenovirus 2

Question 10

Describe the reasons for secondary age related immune deficiency

Answer 10

Age brings a relative decrease in circulating CD4+ T cells and a relative increase in CD8+ T cells with an overall reduced CD4:CD8 ratio
Circulating T cells are predominantly memory cells with relatively few naïve cells remaining
Older animals are likely to be able to mount recall immune responses to antigens but are less able to mount a primary immune response